Abrasion injuries on artificial turf: A real risk or not?

Authors

  • Dara M Twomey Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen Campus, Victoria, Australia
  • Lauren A Petrass Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen Campus, Victoria, Australia
  • Paul R Fleming School of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, United Kingdom

Keywords:

Abrasion injury, Injury prevention, Sport, Synthetic turf

Abstract

Abrasion injuries result in damage only to the surface layer of skin and can result in player discomfort and changes in performance. The perceived fear of abrasion injuries on artificial turf playing surfaces has significantly affected the adoption of these surfaces, particularly in sports that involve frequent player-surface interactions. The underreporting of abrasion injuries due to how time-loss injuries are defined and the lack of validity of the current abrasion measurement device highlight the need for more research to understand fully the incidence and nature of abrasions on artificial turf playing surfaces and the effect of these injuries on playing behaviour. Improved reporting of abrasion injuries and a more biofidelic test device could assist in both the development of abrasion-related injury prevention strategies and in dispelling players’ negative perceptions of abrasions on artificial turf. 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Author Biographies

Dara M Twomey, Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen Campus, Victoria, Australia

PhD

Lauren A Petrass, Faculty of Health, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen Campus, Victoria, Australia

PhD

Paul R Fleming, School of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University, United Kingdom

PhD

Downloads

Published

2014-10-15

How to Cite

Twomey, D. M., Petrass, L. A., & Fleming, P. R. (2014). Abrasion injuries on artificial turf: A real risk or not?. South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 26(3), 91–92. Retrieved from https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajsm/article/view/105

Issue

Section

Commentary